Program Overview

Introduction to the Process Systems Engineering MSc Program

The Process Systems Engineering MSc program at the University of Surrey is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of process systems engineering principles and practices. This program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a successful career in the process industries.

Awarding Body and Teaching Institute

The awarding body and teaching institute for this program is the University of Surrey.

Framework and Final Award

The program is offered at the FHEQ Level 7 framework, and the final award is an MSc in Process Systems Engineering.

Subsidiary Awards

Subsidiary awards available in this program include:

• PGDip in Process Systems Engineering
• PGCert in Process Systems Engineering

Modes of Study

The program is offered in two modes of study: | Route Code | Credits and ECTS Credits | | --- | --- | | Full-time (PFZ61005) | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits | | Part-time (PFZ61006) | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |

Faculty and Department/School

The program is administered by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, specifically the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

Programme Leader

The program leader for the Process Systems Engineering MSc is AMINI HORRI Bahman (Chst Chm Eng).

Date of Production/Revision of Specification

The program specification was produced/revisioned on 27/01/2026.

Educational Aims of the Program

The educational aims of the program are to:

• Provide an integrated approach to process systems engineering, exploring the interrelationships between various components of the program.
• Equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in the process industries through a balanced curriculum.
• Provide a highly vocational education that is intellectually rigorous and up-to-date.
• Enable students to develop their own approach to learning and personal development.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes are categorized into four attributes:

• C - Cognitive/analytical skills
• K - Subject knowledge
• T - Transferable skills
• P - Professional/Practical skills These attributes are developed through various modules and assessments, including: | Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | | --- | --- | --- | | State-of-the-art knowledge in process systems engineering methods | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | | Advanced level of understanding in technical topics | KC | PGDip, MSc | | Cognitive skills, particularly in problem definition, knowledge acquisition, synthesis, and creativity | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | | Abilities to select, define, and focus on an issue, collect and digest knowledge, and develop and apply sound methodologies | C | MSc | | Skills for applying appropriate methods to analyze, develop, and assess process systems and technologies | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | | Abilities to assess available systems, design and select system components, and optimize and evaluate system design | P | MSc | | Transferable skills relevant to the needs of existing and future professionals in knowledge-intensive industries | T | PGDip, MSc | | Capabilities in preparation and delivery of communication and presentation, reporting and essay writing, and collaborative working | T | MSc |

Programme Structure

The program is structured into two modes of study: full-time and part-time.

Full-time

The full-time program is studied over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ Level 7. Possible exit awards include Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).

Part-time

The part-time program is studied over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ Level 7. Possible exit awards include Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).

Modules

The program consists of various compulsory and optional modules, including:

• ENGM083: Research Dissertation (PRISE)
• ENGM072: Optimization and Decision Making
• ENGM214: Process Modelling and Simulation
• ENGM255: Advanced Process Control
• ENGM256: Technology, Business & Research Seminars
• ENGM282: Chemical Product Design
• ENGM071: Process and Energy Integration
• ENGM073: Process Systems Design
• ENGM078: Supply Chain Management
• ENGM075: Knowledge Based Systems & Artificial Intelligence
• ENGM215: Biomass Processing Technology
• ENGM218: Process Safety and Operations Integrity
• ENGM184: Transitions to a Low Carbon Economy

Opportunities for Placements/Work-Related Learning/Collaborative Activity

There are no opportunities for placements, work-related learning, or collaborative activity in this program.

Other Information

The program emphasizes the development of digital capabilities, employability, global and cultural capabilities, resourcefulness, and resilience. Students learn to navigate and utilize digital resources, develop practical problem-solving skills, and consider the foundations of engineering and technology in the context of the UN Sustainable Goals.

Quality Assurance

The program is subject to the University's quality assurance processes, which can be found in the Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programs.